In a tragic incident, two soldiers have been reportedly killed by unknown gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home order on Thursday in Aba, Abia State. The attack occurred at the Obikabia junction, where over 15 masked gunmen ambushed the military personnel and set their patrol van on fire.
Eyewitnesses captured the harrowing scene in a video that has since gone viral on social media. The footage shows the assailants shooting indiscriminately before torching the military vehicle. A voice in the video laments the situation, noting that one soldier appeared to have survived while his comrades were feared dead.
The attackers were seen operating with an SUV and a Sienna, vehicles commonly used by such groups in the region. The swift and brutal nature of the assault has left the community in shock and heightened the sense of insecurity in the area.
As of the time of this report, neither the Abia State Police Command nor the Military has issued an official statement regarding the incident. The lack of immediate response from the authorities has raised concerns among residents about the effectiveness of security measures in place.
The sit-at-home order is part of a series of actions declared by Biafra agitators to honor those who died during the Nigerian Civil War. The South-East region has been significantly affected by these orders, with many residents opting to stay indoors to avoid potential violence from non-state actors enforcing the directive.
Our correspondents across the five states of the South-East report that the majority of residents remain indoors, fearful of attacks. The enforcement of the sit-at-home order by armed groups has led to a tense and uneasy atmosphere, with businesses closed and streets deserted.
ALSO SEE: Nigerian House of Representatives to Translate Science Textbooks into Local Languages
This tragic incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the South-East and highlights the impact of the sit-at-home orders on the daily lives of residents. The violent enforcement of these orders by armed groups poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The loss of the two soldiers is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by security personnel in their efforts to protect lives and property. It also calls attention to the need for a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing the underlying issues driving the unrest in the South-East.
As the community mourns the loss of these brave soldiers, there is a growing demand for the authorities to take decisive action to curb the activities of armed groups and restore normalcy to the region. The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces as they work to ensure the safety and security of all. The tragic events of Thursday serve as a somber reminder of the need for collective efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the South-East region.
